A research associate/technician position is available at the University of Wyoming. The research associate will be responsible for maintaining several large databases. The primary one is a literature database on tree functional traits, and two others include a tree-ring database and forest inventory database for tree species in the US. Specific duties include management of the literature database, which involves (1) mining the ecological literature for information on physiological, morphological, and allometric traits of US tree species, (2) entering relevant information into an MS Access database, (3) implementing QA/QC procedures for ensuring the integrity and quality of the data, and (4) conducting queries and analysis for post-processing of literature information. Other duties include (1) contributing to analyses and manuscript writing related to the databases, (2) help with administration of a small Mac/PC computer lab, (3) supervising students involved in data entry, (4) ordering materials and supplies, and (5) potentially helping with occasional lab or fieldwork. The above databases will be combined with process-based models to address questions such as: How do plant traits related to tree form and function vary between species? Is a species-specific representation of form and function necessary to describe community and ecosystem properties? How do we develop a general framework for predicting large-scale forest dynamics that includes species-specific trait variability and key physiological mechanisms? Qualifications: (1) a Masters or equivalent experience, with expertise in plant or forest ecology; (2) familiarity with plant physiological ecology; (3) sufficient background in statistics, including good understanding of ANOVA and regression; (4) experience working with large databases, particularly MS Access; (5) good communication and collaborative skills. Application materials: (1) cover letter stating research interests, why this position is of interest, and relevant qualifications and experience, (2) CV, and (3) names and contact information of three references. Send via email a PDF copy of the application materials to Dr. Kiona Ogle ([email protected]). Please submit applications by August 31, 2009. Pending final approval of funding, the preferred start date is before October 1, 2009. For more information, contact Dr. Ogle via email.
